The Upper Big Wood River in south-central Idaho supports a self-sustaining trout fishery for Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout and has been managed as a quality trout fishery since 1977. Beginning in 1990, increasingly restrictive regulations were developed to protect large trout and improve size structure. Over time, this resulted in implementation of a complex set of regulations including four management sections with differing seasons, harvest limits, and gear restrictions.
Idaho Fish and Game data indicates trout numbers have increased since 1992 while size and growth has declined. The river now supports a high abundance of smaller trout and a reduced number of quality-sized fish. As such, population characteristics do not align with established management objectives for this fishery. Angler feedback mirrors these trends and highlights dissatisfaction with the complexity of current regulations, which has reduced participation for some anglers.
Based on biological data and public input, IDFG has determined that regulation changes are warranted to achieve management objectives for this fishery. IDFG recognizes the importance of including stakeholders in fisheries management decisions and acknowledges that these issues are complex, involving both biological and social considerations. The Big Wood River Working Group will evaluate options to simplify and align regulations with current biological realities and social considerations. The Big Wood River Working Group will provide a collaborative forum to explore solutions, share perspectives, and help guide biologically sound and socially informed management recommendations for the Upper Big Wood River. These recommendations will inform proposal development by staff to be shared with the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, the general public, and then be considered for implementation by the IDFG Commission.
